Celebrate Unplug and Play Week, April, 2012
Date to be announced

Why don’t we see more Missoula kids outside playing? One reason is that too many are spending most of their recreational time in front of screens.
 
Parks and Recreation and the Missoula City-County Health Department are encouraging kids and adults to “Unplug and Play!” in April of each year as part of a global campaign to educate families about the detrimental effects of too much "screen time" from television, computers, gaming systems, iPods, and cell phones.

“Unplug and Play!” challenges families to turn off all recreational screens for a week in April and reap the many benefits. The program encourages Missoula kids and their families to get outside, spend more time at unstructured play, re-connect with friends and neighbors, and take advantage of Missoula's endless opportunities for screen-free fun and relaxation. Screen time can cut into family time and research shows a direct correlation between excessive screen time and obesity in both adults and children.

There is strong evidence that supports the need to reintroduce play to kids as an important part of good child development. Free, imaginative play is crucial for normal, social, emotional and cognitive development. It helps kids be better adjusted, smarter and equally important, less stressed.

As an Active Kids project and with the leadership of Missoula Parks and Recreation and the Missoula County Health Department, Unplug & Play has been able to marshal a variety of agencies and groups that are offering screen-free activities throughout the year. Worldwide celebrations of Screen-Free Week are supported by national organizations including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Education Association, and President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

This website will be an ongoing resource for parents and teachers to keep up to date on the issues of play and limiting screen time. Check back frequently for ideas for activities, upcoming events and relevant research.

Online Sponsor Form 
UPP Sponor Form (pdf)
UPP Sponsor Form (MS Word)

We would like to invite your organization to participate in “Unplug and Play!” Week by hosting a free or very low-cost activity for youth and adults in April, 2012.  (Dates TBA) Events could include an event you’ve already planned for that week, a playdate at your facility, an activity in a city park or public space, a class or educational activity, a public service project, an art or essay contest, a lecture/seminar for parents—whatever your organization feels would encourage families to “Unplug and Play!”

You are also invited to join us for the Unplug and Play Kickoff Celebration 2012 (date TBA). Groups are invited provide a free craft or activity for kids, preferably geared to ages 6 and up. The event is free, and UM Grizzly athletes will be on hand to lead kids in other screen-free fun. Your activity must be self-contained (staffed and you provide all supplies) and practical in any weather. We don’t have an indoor backup location for this large event, so it will take place in rain or shine!  If you'd like to join us for the kickoff, phone Mary McCourt, City-County Health Department Senior Community Health Specialist at 258-3895.